Amy Voorhees
Music
Education
- DMA, Michigan State University
- ME, Drake University
- BM, Simpson College Iowa
Area of Specialty
Director of Choral Activities
Music Education
Assistant Professor of Music
Director of Choral Activities
Contact Information
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Email Addressvoorhees@dektinary.com
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Phone Number570-372-4295
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Office LocationCunningham Center - Rm 238C
Amy Voorhees is the director of choral activities, conducting the University Choir and Chamber Singers and teaching Choral Conducting and Choral Methods. A graduate of Michigan State University, where she was a university distinguished fellow, Voorhees taught voice, assisted with the MSU Choral Union, taught undergraduate conducting and conducted the MSU Campus Choir. She holds a B.M. degree in vocal performance from Simpson College, has additional music education training from Iowa State University and a master’s degree with honors in educational leadership from Drake University.
Prior to her studies at MSU, Voorhees taught public school for 17 years with experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Her most recent appointment as the director of choral activities at Waukee High School included chair of the vocal music department K-12, supervising staff and accompanists, and overseeing 11 different choral ensembles, including very successful show and jazz choir programs. The A Cappella Concert Choir was invited to sing on the American Choral Director’s Association National Convention in 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Voorhees also conducted the Cantate Advanced Treble Choir, Bella Voce Treble Choir and two vocal jazz ensembles and coached the singers for the annual high school musical. While at Waukee High School, Voorhees served on the affirmative action committee and leadership team for the Waukee Community Schools and held numerous other leadership roles within the school district and community. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct faculty member for Drake University.
Voorhees had an active accompanying schedule as well, playing for numerous local churches as well as directing several adult and youth choirs.
Choirs under her direction have received consecutive Superior I ratings and perfect scores at State Large Group Festival. She has worked with the Des Moines Children’s Chorus, Ames Children’s Choirs and Heartland Youth Choir in Iowa.
Voorhees is in demand as a clinician, guest conductor, presenter and vocal technician for numerous school districts and collegiate institutions. She has worked with choirs in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Colorado and has presented workshops and sessions at several colleges, universities, and numerous ACDA and NAFME conferences.
She is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association, National Association for Music Education, Jazz Education Network and Iowa Choral Directors organization, where she also previously served on the board of directors. Voorhees recently served on the board of directors for the Michigan State Vocal Music Association as coordinator of student activities, a position that unites undergraduates from around the state of Michigan as a way to foster growth in the future of music education.
- MUED-351: Choral Music Education
- MUED-400: Classroom Management
- MUED-400: Classroom Performance
- MUED-400: Preparation & Planning
- MUED-400: Preparation and Planning
- MUED-400: Student Teaching
- MUSC-082: University Choir
- MUSC-086: University Chamber Singers
- MUSC-372: Choral Conducting
Professional Experience
Amy Voorhees is the director of choral activities, conducting the University Choir and Chamber Singers and teaching Choral Conducting and Choral Methods. A graduate of Michigan State University, where she was a university distinguished fellow, Voorhees taught voice, assisted with the MSU Choral Union, taught undergraduate conducting and conducted the MSU Campus Choir. She holds a B.M. degree in vocal performance from Simpson College, has additional music education training from Iowa State University and a master’s degree with honors in educational leadership from Drake University.
Prior to her studies at MSU, Voorhees taught public school for 17 years with experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Her most recent appointment as the director of choral activities at Waukee High School included chair of the vocal music department K-12, supervising staff and accompanists, and overseeing 11 different choral ensembles, including very successful show and jazz choir programs. The A Cappella Concert Choir was invited to sing on the American Choral Director’s Association National Convention in 2014 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Voorhees also conducted the Cantate Advanced Treble Choir, Bella Voce Treble Choir and two vocal jazz ensembles and coached the singers for the annual high school musical. While at Waukee High School, Voorhees served on the affirmative action committee and leadership team for the Waukee Community Schools and held numerous other leadership roles within the school district and community. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct faculty member for Drake University.
Voorhees had an active accompanying schedule as well, playing for numerous local churches as well as directing several adult and youth choirs.
Choirs under her direction have received consecutive Superior I ratings and perfect scores at State Large Group Festival. She has worked with the Des Moines Children’s Chorus, Ames Children’s Choirs and Heartland Youth Choir in Iowa.
Voorhees is in demand as a clinician, guest conductor, presenter and vocal technician for numerous school districts and collegiate institutions. She has worked with choirs in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Colorado and has presented workshops and sessions at several colleges, universities, and numerous ACDA and NAFME conferences.
She is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association, National Association for Music Education, Jazz Education Network and Iowa Choral Directors organization, where she also previously served on the board of directors. Voorhees recently served on the board of directors for the Michigan State Vocal Music Association as coordinator of student activities, a position that unites undergraduates from around the state of Michigan as a way to foster growth in the future of music education.